Florida Finds Arsenic in Popular Easter Candies

State warns consumers about potential health risks in seasonal treats

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:54pm

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The Florida Department of Health recently tested 46 candy products from 10 companies and found arsenic in 28 of them, including top Easter favorites like Tootsie Fruit Chews, Jolly Ranchers, and Twizzlers. The state is now warning residents about the potential health risks, especially for children, associated with consuming these contaminated candies.

Why it matters

This report raises serious concerns about the safety and quality control of some of the most popular Easter candies on the market. With millions of families preparing to fill baskets and celebrate the holiday, the state's findings could prompt a wider investigation into the candy industry's practices and oversight. It also highlights the need for stronger regulations to protect consumers, especially vulnerable populations like children, from exposure to heavy metals and other contaminants in food products.

The details

The Florida Department of Health tested 46 candy products and found arsenic in 28 of them. The top five candies with the highest levels of arsenic were Tootsie Fruit Chew Lime (570 ppb), Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Sour Apple (540 ppb), Twizzlers Watermelon (510 ppb), Nerds Gummy Cluster (500 ppb), and Twizzlers Strawberry (500 ppb). Eighteen of the candies tested were reportedly free of arsenic, including Organic Black Forest Gummy Bears, Hershey's Milk Chocolate, and various UNREAL and Yum Earth brand organic candies.

  • The Florida Department of Health study was released in January 2026.
  • Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 5, 2026.

The players

Florida Department of Health

The state agency that conducted the testing and released the report on arsenic levels in popular Easter candies.

National Confectioners Association

The industry group that disputed the Florida report, claiming the state "has chosen sound bites over science" and that "chocolate and candy are safe to eat and can be enjoyed as treats as they have been for centuries."

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida who announced the state's "Healthy Florida First" initiative, which includes the new restrictions on SNAP recipients purchasing certain unhealthy foods like candy and soda.

Casey DeSantis

The wife of Governor Ron DeSantis, who stated that "no one should have to wonder whether the food that they are feeding their children is quietly impacting their health over time."

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What they’re saying

“As parents and consumers, we should have confidence that the products sold in grocery stores are safe and free from poison.”

— Casey DeSantis, First Lady of Florida

“The methodology used in the report relies on 'screening benchmarks' that do not align with current federal regulatory standards or recognized peer-reviewed science for confectionery products.”

— National Confectioners Association

What’s next

The judge overseeing the case between the state of Florida and the National Confectioners Association is expected to rule on whether the state's testing methods and findings will be admissible in any potential legal action.

The takeaway

This report highlights the need for stricter oversight and quality control in the candy industry to ensure the safety of consumers, especially vulnerable populations like children. It also raises questions about the influence of industry groups in shaping public health policies and the transparency of data used to make regulatory decisions.